Locomotives

NOTE: You will need Adobe Acrobat Reader, available as a free download, to view some of the files on this page. See EPA's PDF page to learn more about PDF, and for a link to the free Acrobat Reader.

In March 2008, EPA finalized a three part program that will dramatically reduce emissions from diesel locomotives of all types -- line-haul, switch, and passenger rail. The rule will cut PM emissions from these engines by as much as 90 percent and NOx emissions by as much as 80 percent when fully implemented. The standards are based on the application of high-efficiency catalytic aftertreatment technology for freshly manufactured engines built in 2015 and later.

EPA standards also apply for existing locomotives when they are remanufactured. Requirements are also in place to reduce idling for new and remanufactured locomotives.

This page provides general and technical information on the locomotive rulemakings that affect railroads, locomotive manufacturers, and remanufacturers.